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May 6, 2024

Great Wall Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Great Wall Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 4.0

Spectators 4.0

Number of comments: 36 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

Scott Good from Maine, US (5/25/2006) "Great Experience" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Great Wall Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Basically, the race is up a 10%-15% grade, 2.5-mile, continuous hill; then about 2.0 miles on the Wall (steep up, steep down - sometimes a little dangerous); run in the valley for about 16 miles; run the Wall again; then run down the same 10% to 15% grade hill. This is a VERY difficult course - especially trudging up those roughly 2,000 steep steps going up to the Wall after about 21 miles. The race was something that my son and I will never forget; truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. The organization was stellar! As far as monetary "bang for the buck," this was an excellent value, too. If you can get there, DO IT! Just make sure that you train for the terrain!
M. K. from Shanghai, China (5/21/2006) "Like the Wall itself...beyond expectations" (about: 2006) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran the 1/2 marathon and found it to be both the hardest and most rewarding of races I have run. As I focused my traning on the Wall (ie. running steps),it was the easiest part for me. I would recommend doing steps,hills and trail running. I have lived in China for 10 years and felt that the organization of this race was better than any other event I have attended here. There was water every kilometer and sports drinks and bananas at a few stations. The people of the village were welcoming, considering they had people running through the narrow paths of their town for 8 hours. The children especially were out yelling their well-practiced English encouragements, with hands up for high-fives from the 300-plus 1/2 marathoners. If you are a runner living in China,you should do this race. I'm glad I did.
Rusty Millar from Los Angeles (12/27/2005) "This needs to be on your list of things to do" (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Great Wall Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran the 1/2 marathon and really enjoyed it. The course on the wall is tough and all you want to do is take pictures. A great time and it soooo needs to be on your list of things to do. Never thought this farm boy from Michigan would be running a race on the GW. The villagers were all out to greet you, lots of support, and scenery that did not stop. Made some great friends and China is amazing. Do not put this off another year. Weather was perfect, the tour (Kathy Loper Events) was great and well organized.
Michael Longe from Hangzhou, China (11/27/2005) "brilliant course" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Great Wall Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This course was spectacular! We went up a mountain, down the wall, up another mountain, down the mountain, up the wall, and down the mountain. This is not a race you are running to get your PB, but it is a must-do if you are in the area. It is very expensive since you MUST go through a travel agency to sign up. Bring your own power gel for the race.
marianne saralegui from Long Beach, Ca (7/22/2005) "This was amazing!!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Great Wall Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was by far the most difficult run I have ever done! If you want to challenge yourself physically and mentally, run this marathon. The website doesn't do it justice. That said, it was an amazing race and an amazing week! I met peoople I hope will be friends for a lifetime. Plus the bragging rights are priceless!!! Do yourself a favor: RUN THE WALL!!!!
P. P. from China (5/31/2005) "I hit the wall and enjoyed it!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Great Wall Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Fantastic experience with an unforgettable run on the great wall. For the marathon, you have to run through villages between the two sections of the wall. The local spectators are not that many but their smiles and encouragements make it very special. This is not an easy marathon by any means but a great experience. You can also do 1/2 marathon or even a 10k. If you have the opportunity to do this race, do not hesitate. This was my 46th marathon and this is one of the best (at par with NYC).
E. Z. from Denver, CO (1/18/2005) "Once in a lifetime" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Great Wall Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 How amazing was the experience of actually running a race on the GREAT WALL OF CHINA! I just can't say enough about this marathon. The entire tour that I was on was top-notch. I saw so many things you only dream about seeing with your own eyes, but I guess I should focus on the marathon. Yes you spend a lot of time on buses (for the tours, and for both for the mandatory inspection day where you walk the section of wall you will run a few days later and on the actual marathon day) as the race location is 3.5+/- hours from Beijing, but it's worth it. You can check out the details of the course at the event website but it doesn't truly do justice to the difficulty of the course. You run about 6-7 miles actually on the wall, a 3+ mile section once in each direction with more uphill when you start up the wall the second time at about mile 20 (the obvious joke is 'talk about hitting the wall in a marathon!'). Parts of the wall are like what you see in the pictures (i.e., stone steps, etc.) and part is more like a mountain hiking trail. The portions of the race through the valley and small villages are not easy either, as there are several good sized hills to deal with. A reasonable finish predictor would be to add 40-45% to your regular marathon time. I guess the training tips are obvious also... do a lot of stairs and hill workouts (both up and down). The racing tip is to take your time while on the wall the first time or you will end up like me with tired legs at mile 7 and have to dig deep for the rest of the race! A couple of other points: Beijing is really gearing up for the 2006 Olympics so it's a great time to visit; and bring your bargaining skills... you'll need them.
Scott Ellinger from Beijing, China (10/19/2004) "Gets better each time" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Great Wall Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my second time running the GWM. I ran it in 2001. Organization was leaps and bounds better. Recommendation, like the others, more Gatorade and banana locations on the course. The course organizers did a good job and made this a memorable event for everyone. Hats off the marathon committee for making this better. See you in 2005.
N. S. from Southern California (6/21/2004) "CONQUERING THE GREAT WALL" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Great Wall Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Oh my goodness! Hitting the wall at 21 miles to ascend a steep sloping goat path to reach the 1800 steps of the Great Wall. Grueling, sweltering heat, my slowest race, but definitely my crowning achievement. Looking for a mind altering adventure? Run the Great Wall Marathon!
C. J. from Boston (6/3/2004) "Awesome!" (about: 2004) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 What an awesome feeling to run on the Great Wall of China. The view from up top was great! The logistics during the race were good but don't expect much support from the locals. You will however get lots of support from your fellow runner. Not a race to PR, but you can make lots of new running friends. To prepare for the race practice running up the stairs at your local tall building or football stadium. Also plan on adding 1-2 or more hours to your normal time.

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